HS 

o 

1041 

a 

A46 

-n 

m 

r 

r 

o 

5 

U) 

o 


cr 


BANCROFT 
LIBRARY 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 


> 


>5 


7 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2007  with  funding  from 

Microsoft  Corporation 


http://www.archive.org/details/floorworkfordegrOOinderich 


FLOOR    WORK 


FOR 


Degree'  Lodges  , 


OF   THE 


Daughters  of  Rebekah, 


AS   AUTHORIZED    BY    THE 


SOVEREIGN  GRAND  LODGE 


OF   THE 


INDEPENDENT  ORDER  OF  ODD  FELLOWS. 


COLUMBUS,  0.  : 

PUBLISHED  BY  THE  SOVEREIGN  GRAND  LODGE,  I.  O.  0.  F. 

1891. 


(4Slo4\ 

A  ^ 


Corrected  and  printed,  as  authorized  by  the  Sover- 
eign Grand  Lodge,  September  session,  1890,  under 
the  supervision  of  the  following  Special  Committee  : 

F.  E.  MERRIMAN,  Rep.  of  Massachusetts 
J.  B.  KENNER,  Rep.  of  Indiana. 
J.  L.  WEAKLEY,  Rep.  of  Tennessee. 
R.  E.  WRIGHT,  Rep.  of  Pennsylvania. 
R.  A.  De  Bolt,  Rep.  of  Missouri. 


JOHN    MEDOLE   &    SON, 
NEW    YORK. 


"7  6   "T&-2 


REPORT. 


To  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  of  the 

Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  : 

Your  committee  appointed  at  the  last  session  of  this 
Grand  Lodge  to  prepare  "Floor  Work"  for  the  various 
degrees,  beg  leave  to  say  that  we  have,  after  much 
labor,  completed  the  work  assigned  us,  and  herewith 
report  as  follows  : — In  the  preparation  of  this  work,  we 
have  been  greatly  aided  by,  and,  in  fact,  have  followed 
substantially  the  plans  placed  before  us  by  some  of  the 
eminent  staff- workers  in  our  Order.  And  we  accordingly 
wish  herewith  to  acknowledge  our  special  obligations 
and  gratitude  for  such  assistance  to  the  following  per- 
sons : — Brothers  J.  T.  Riley,  of  West  Union,  Iowa; 
John  W.  McQuiddy,  of  Indianapolis,  Indiana;  W.  EL 
Morgan,  of  Peabody,  Kas.;  D.  W.  Moccabee,  of  Colum- 
bus, Ohio  ;  Adam  Frank,  Germantown,  Ohio ;  W.  H. 
Barger,  of  Hebron,  Neb. ;  T.  W.  Murray,  of  St.  Louis, 
Mo.;  Frederick  Alford,  of  Boston,  Mass.;  C.  A.  Mayo, 
of  Maiden,  Mass.;  and  R.  A.  De  Bolt  and  wife,  of 
Trenton,  Mo. 

•  We  also  had  submitted  to  us  a  "floor  setting"  for 
the  Initiatory  Degree,  by  Cambridge  Lodge,  No.  13,  of 
Massachusetts,  which  we  think  is  very  unique,  and 
would  certainly  be  a  very  attractive  and  impressive 
thing  to  use.     We  have  not,  however,  considered  it 


4  DAUGHTERS    OF    REBEKAH 

practicable  to  adopt  it  as  a  part  of  this  report  of  floor 
work  for  use  in  ordinary  Lodge-rooms;  but  we  earnestly 
recommend  that  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  will  not 
adopt  any  iron-clad  rule  against  such  settings;  and 
that  the  work  which  may  be  approved,  and  published 
under  its  supervision,  shall  be  a  guide,  and  still  leave 
Lodges  and  Encampments  which  have  the  enterprise 
and  ability  to  invent  something  new,  novel,  or  useful, 
that  will  increase  the  interest  in  our  work,  (and  of 
such  class  is  the  Cambridge  Lodge  of  which  we  have 
just  spoken,)  the  fullest  authority  to  create  and  use 
such  settings,  so  long  as  they  do  not  conflict  with 
the  ritual  or  the  plans  of  Floor  Work, — being  con- 
sidered auxiliary  thereto.  There  is  one  other  thing 
of  which  we  should  speak.  There  were  submitted  to 
us  as  the  work  of  Sister  Alice  Hughes,  of  Trenton, 
Mo.,  two  large  paintings,  called  "Down  to  Jericho, 
Nos.  1  and  2,"  which  were  beautifully  illustrative  of 
certain  parts  of  the  work  of  the  Second  Degree. 
These  pictures  would  certainly  be  magnificent  orna- 
ments for  the  walls  of  a  Lodge- room,  and  could  be 
made  most  useful  when  the  degree  was  being  conferred. 

And  now  we  submit  the  result  of  our  labors,  with 
the  sincere  hope  that  it  may  be  approved  by  you. 

Fraternally  yours, 

John  N.  YanDeman,  Ohio, 

E.  M.  Sloan,  Mo., 

F.  E.  Merriman,  Mass., 
J.  B.  Kenner,  Ind. 


PREFACE. 


Efficient  staff  work  is  the  best  possible  manner  of 
illustrating  the  principles  of  the  Order.  The  teach- 
ings of  our  brotherhood  are  of  the  most  sublime  char- 
acter, and  upon  the  introduction  of  a  candidate,  every 
thing  should  be  done  to  impress  him  with  the  grandeur 
and  beauty  of  these  principles. 

Therefore,  the  officers  should  be  dignified,  manly, 
and  earnest,  remembering  that  first  impressions  are 
strongest  and  will  probably  cling  to  the  candidate 
through  life  ;  so  if  they  believe  what  they  teach,  let 
their  actions,  as  well  as  instructions,  prove  that  they 
are  earnest,  and  honest.  And  if  they  do  not  so  be- 
lieve, and  cannot  so  teach,  then  they  have  no  right  to 
a  place  in  a  degree  staff. 

Never  attempt  a  joke  of  any  kind  upon  a  candidate; 
it  will  probably  lower  the  Order  in  his  estimation,  and 
will  clo  more  than  anything  else  to  impair,  if  not  de- 
stroy, his  value  as  a  member. 

DIAGRAMS. 

*  In  the  diagrams  which  accompany  this,  there  are 
given  floor  movements  as  adapted  to  the  Lodge  and 
Encampment  rooms  as  generally  arranged.  Any  varia- 
tion in  arrangement  of  ante-rooms,  entrances,  etc.,  can 
easily  be  provided  for  by  slight  changes  in  the  en- 
trance or  exit  movements. 


6  DAUGHTERS    OF    REBEKAH 

ORGANIZATION   OF   STAFF. 

First.  It  should  be  composed  of  volunteers,  and 
those  who  have  at  heart  the  "good  of  the  Order," 
and  who  are  willing  to  cheerfully,  and  regularly  take 
the  positions  where  they  can  be  most  useful. 

All  who  compose  the  staff  should  meet  and  elect  a 
captain,  who  should  be  One  of  the  very  best,  and  most 
intelligent  members,  one  who  can  think  and  act  quick- 
ly, and  upon  whose  judgment  reliance  can  be  placed, 
and  also  who  is  energetic,  prompt,  and  regular  in  at- 
tendance, amiable  and  forbearing  in  disposition. 

The  captain  alone  should  assign  each  brother  to  the 
position  in  the  staff  where  he  can  be  most  useful. 
Where  practicable,  past  officers  should  be  assigned  to 
certain  positions;  but  each  member  must  leave  all 
matters  of  position  to  be  decided  upon  the  single 
question,  of  fitness.  Any  position  is  honorable  and 
necessary.  The  work  may  be  rendered  less  burden- 
some and  less  apt  to  conflict  by  placing  members  in 
different  positions  in  the  different  degrees. 

Once  organized,  positions  should  not  be  changed  un- 
less the  captain  shall  deem  it  necessary. 

Drill  frequently,  memorize  all  charges  thoroughly, 
and  deliver  them  slowly,  deliberately,  and  dramatical- 
ly. The  captain  should  have  full  control  and  super- 
vision of  the  work. 


DEGREE  LODGE  FLOOR  WORK.  7 

MUSIC. 

The  music  should  be  suitable  for  marching,  and  for 
this  the  great  requisite  is  correct  and  regular  time. 
The  organ  should  be  generally  used ;  any  instrument 
is  better  than  none,  however. 

The  player  must  be  familiar  with  the  movements, 
know  where  to  play  fast  or  slow,  heavy  or  light,  to 
represent  music  at  a  distance  and  approaching,  etc. 

PARAPHERNALIA. 

The  ritual  describes  sufficiently  for  most  of  the  de- 
grees the  dress  and  paraphernalia;  and  besides,  the 
manufacturers  have  so  worked  this  field  that  it  is 
not  deemed  necessary  to  append  any  suggestions  in 
reference  thereto,  except  in  certain  cases.  Always 
bear  in  mind  the  time  and  place  in  which  the  scene 
is  laid,  and  have  all  things  accordingly  appropriate. 


*© 


Beautified  or  Floor  Work 


FOR  THE  USE  OF 


DEGREE  LODGES  I  DAUGHTERS  OF  REBEKAH. 


These  floor  movements  call  for  a  full  corps  of  nine- 
teen Sisters,  viz.  :  Noble  Grand,  Yice  Grand,  Past 
Noble  Grand,  and  Chaplain,  who  represent  no  dis- 
tinctive characters  ; 

Secretary,       -         -         -     Ruth,  the   Moabitess. 

Treasurer,  -  -  Naomi. 

Warden,  -  -         -     Sarah. 

Conductress,  -         -  Hebrew  Woman. 

Right  Supporter  to  N.  G.,  )  TT  ,  TTr 

t   *.  a  •  *      ,    at   n      X  Hebrew  Women. 

Lett  Supporter  to  JN.  G.,    ) 

Right  Supporter  to  V.  G.,  Rebekah. 

Left  Supporter  to  V.  G.,  Deborah. 

Right  Altar  Supporter,     -  Queen  Esther. 

Left  Altar  Supporter,       -  Hannah. 

Inside  Guardian,     -  -  Miriam. 

Four  Banner-Bearers.      -  Hebrew  Women. 

The  four  Banner-Bearers  can  be  dispensed  with  ; 
the  Secretary  and  Treasurer  and  Altar  Supporters  ex- 
ecuting their  movements  upon  the  floor  during  the 
exhibition  of  the  emblems  of  the  degree  to  the  can- 
didate. 


10  DAUGHTERS    OF    REBEKAH 

Robes  add  very  much  to  the  effectiveness  and  im- 
pressiveness  of  the  work,  and  should  be  used  if  practi- 
cable. They  should  be  modelled,  as  far  as  possible,  af- 
ter the  dress  worn  in  biblical  times,  and  a  general  di- 
rection for  making  them  is  to  sew  together  four  straight 
widths  of  yard  wide  material,  to  serve  as  the  entire 
robe,  gathered  at  the  neck,  and  confined  at  the  waist 
by  a  girdle  or  sash.  Flowing  sleeves  should  be  used, 
and  most  of  the  robes  should  be  short  enough  to  show 
the  feet,  which  should  be  dressed  in  sandals. 

The  Noble  Grand's  dress  should  be  of  red  ;  the  Yice 
Grand's  of  blue ;  the  Past  Noble  Grand's  of  purple ; 
and  the  Chaplain's  of  white,  and  these  four  should  be 
•longer  and  trimmed  with  gilt,  to  indicate  people  of 
high  rank.  They  should  also  wear  gilt  coronets  on 
the  head. 

The  Treasurer,  as  "  Naomi, ';  should  be  dressed  in 
some  dark  material  to  show  her  widowed  condition,  as 
well  as  to  betoken  her  lower  rank  in  life  ;  while  Ruth's 
is  much  the  same,  but  of  a  slightly  more  cheerful  shade. 

All  the  Hebrew  Women.  Right  Supporter  to  Noble 
Grand,  Left  Supporter  to  Noble  Grand,  and  four  Ban- 
ner-Bearers,  should  dress  as  peasant  women,  in  brown 
or  dark  red  robes.  Conductress,  however,  as  Hebrew 
Woman,  wTears  a  simple  robe  of  blue  and  white. 

Rebekah  and  Deborah  wear  dresses  of  blue  or  tend- 
ing to  that  color,  but  of  richer  material  than  peasant 
women,  and  in  consonance  with  their  character  as  Right 
and  Left  Supporters  of  the  Yice  Grand. 


DEGREE  LODGE  FLOOR  WORK.  11 

The  Right  Altar  Supporter,  as  Queen  Esther,  has 
a  robe  of  any  suitable  material  and  color  to  denote  her 
rank,  while  the  Left  Altar  Supporter,  as  Hannah, 
should  have  a  robe  of  more  sedate  character. 

The  Warden,  as  Sarah,  has  a  rich  robe  of  any  suit- 
able color,  and  richly  trimmed. 

The  Inside  Guardian,  as  Miriam,  should  be  dressed 
in  a  manner  at  once  rich  and  commanding. 

All  the  characters  should  wear  a  turban,  a  sash 
wound  about  the  head,  or  a  coronet. 

The  quality  of  material  must  be  governed  by  the 
judgment  and  finances  of  the  Lodge. 

A  pitcher,  as  near  as  possible  to  the  old  water-jar  of 
the  Bible,  is  needed  for  Rebekah ;  a  tambourine  for 
Miriam ;  a  pink  and  green  book-mark  for  the  Bible  ;  a 
baton  wound  with  pink  and  green  ribbon,  and  banners 
for  Banner-Bearers ;  with  nine  staffs  for  use  of  Sup- 
porters, Conductor,  Warden,  and  Inside  Guardian. 
These  should  be  provided  if  possible. 

Representation  of  Characters  by  Numbers. 

Warden,     -          -  1 . 

Conductor,     -  -           2. 

Secretary,            -  -3. 

Treasurer,      -  -           4. 

Left  Sup.  N".  G.,  -     5. 

Right  Sup.  N.  G..  -          6. 


12 


DAUGHTERS    OF    REBEKAH 


Emblematic  colors. 
Bee-hive. 


Dove. 

Moon  and  7  Stars, 


Noble  Grand,      -         -     7. 
First  Banner-Bearer,         8. 

Second  Banner-Bearer,  9. 

Past  Noble  Grand,       -  10. 

Chaplain,        -  -  11 

Third  Banner-Bearer,  12. 

Fourth  Banner-Bearer,  13. 

Left  Altar  Supporter,  1  4. 

Right  Altar  Supporter,  15. 

Left  Sup.  V.  G.,  -       -  16. 

Right  Sup.  Y.  G.,  17. 

Yice  Grand,        -         -  1 8. 

'Inside  Guardian,      -  19. 

DIAGRAM  No    1. 
Retiring  March  for  Robing. 

Three  signals  are  given  :  First  signal,  Attention  ! 
Second  signal,  Members  of  the  corps  rise  to  their 
feet.  Third  signal,  Warden  and  Conductor  move  of! 
by  marching  around  their  chairs,  and  leading  down  dot- 
ted lines,  as  indicated  by  arrows;  Secretary  and  Treas- 
urer inarching  to  position  in  front  of  Noble  Grand 
and  following;  Noble  Grand's  Supporters  following 
them,  with  Xoble  Grand  last  of  all.  The  First  and 
Second  Banner-Bearers  march  straight  across  to  cen- 
tre line  as  shown  by  dotted  lines,  and  fall  in  immedi- 
ately behind  Warden  and  Conductor. 

At  centre  altar,  which  is  placed  in  the  centre  of 
the  room,  column  divides,  each  line  following  dotted 
line  to  side  of  room,  when  Past  Noble  Grand  and 
Chaplain   step    in   immediately    behind  Warden   and 


Diagram  1. 


13 


5     I 

o  ° 


RS.    N.G.    L.SJ 
X A 


7 


'.6       I8      '7.    ft       J 


(L5.  V.G.    R^> 


I 


d 


DEGREE    LODGE    FLOOR    WORK.  15 

Conductor  respectively.     Noble  Grand  turns  to  left  at 
altar  and  follows  down  left  side  of  room. 

As  line  reaches  position  in  front  of  Vice  Grand, 
the  Altar  Supporters  move  on  dotted  lines,  and 
fall  in  behind  Noble  Grand's  Supporters ;  Yice 
Grand's  Supporters  come  down  and  fall  in  just  behind 
Altar  Supporters,  and  Yice  Grand  takes  position  on 
left  of  Noble  Grand.  As  double  lines  march  up  to 
centre  altar.  Third  and  Fourth  Banner-Bearers  march 
straight  to  centre  on  dotted  lines,  and  fall  in  behind 
Altar  Supporters.  Inside  Guardian  marches  from  po- 
sition to  rear  of  column,  just  behind  Noble  Grand  and 
Yice  Grand,  but  when  rear  of  column  reaches  centre 
altar  she  faces  about  with  back  to  altar  and  stands 
fast,  while  all  continue  on  solid  black  lines  until  V  is 
formed  to  address  chair,  when  she  slowly  marches  to 
position  at  point  of  V,  timing  her  steps  so  as  to  reach 
position  as  all  settle  into  place. 

At  signal  from  Inside  Guardian  the  entire  corps  of 
officers  address  Noble  Grand.  Inside  Guardian  then 
returns  to  position  at  altar,  and  faces  Yice  Grand's 
chair,  while  all  move  ofF  on  red  lines,  and  dpwn 
through  centre  of  room,  out  to  preparation  room ; 
Inside  Guardian  following  in  rear  as  they  pass  altar. 


16  DAUGHTERS    OF    REBEKAH 

DIAGRAM  No.  2. 
Re-entering  after  Robing. 

Form  in  ante-room  in  the  same  order  as  when  march- 
ing out,  and  enter  upon  dotted  lines  which  lead  to  cen- 
tre altar,  there  separate  and  march  singly  over  dotted 
lines  around  to  position  in  front  of  Noble  Grand's 
chair;  Inside  Guardian  marching  only  to  altar,  where 
she  resumes  former  position,  lacing  Vice  Grand  and 
remains  until  V  is  formed.  ■  All  march  down  double 
dotted  lines  to  centre  altar,  separate,  and  march  singly 
to  sides  of  room,  continuing  on  clown  over  solid  black 
lines,  to  form  V.  Inside  Guardian  now  marches  clown 
to  position  at  point  of  V,  (reaching  that  point  as  all  settle 
into  place),  and  gives  signal  to  address  Noble  Grand, 
then  returns  to  position  at  altar  as  before.  After  ad- 
dress to  Noble  Grand,  the  two  lines  forming  V  counter- 
march on  outside  red  lines  and  follow  red  lines  around 
room  to  position  in  front  of  Noble  Grand's  chair, 
then  down  through  centre  of  room  in  double  lines, 
separate  and  march  around  Altar  Supporters'  chairs  to 
form  circle;  those  in  the  rear  closing  up  so  as  to  form 
a  perfect  circle,  (or,  if  Lodge-room  is  small,  to  form 
an  oval,)  and  all  halt  and  inward  face,  the  Inside 
Guardian  marching  from  position  at  altar  to  place  at 
foot  of  circle,  indicated  by  "  19,';  Diagram  No.  2,  she, 
also,  inward  facing. 

Music  does  not  stop,  but  as  soon  as  all  have  settled 
into  place,  Conductor  right  faces.  Warden  left  faces, 
and  both  countermarch  clown  outside  of  circle  to  posi- 
tions of  Noble  Grand  and  Yice  Grand  respectively, 


Diagram  2. 


17 


DEGREE    LODGE    FLOOR    WORK.  19 

while  Inside  Guardian,  following  dotted  red  line, 
marches  to  Past  Noble  Grand,  leads  her  around  altar, 
and  to  position.  Conductor,  meanwhile  passing  just 
behind  them  with  Noble  Grand,  as  they  leave  altar 
and  going  straight  to  Noble  Grand's  chair.  Inside 
Guardian  immediately  passes  back,  around  altar  to 
Chaplain,  leads  her  around  altar  and  to  position  on 
black  dotted  lines,  while  Warden  leads  Yice  Grand 
around  altar  and  to  position  on  black  dotted  lines,  pass- 
ing just  behind  Inside  Guardian  and  Chaplain.  These 
marches  must  be  timed  so  that  all  are  moving,  yet 
pass  each  other  at  the  proper  time,  and  the  conduct- 
ing officer  must  always  be  next  to  the  altar. 

Inside  Guardian  returns  and  resumes  position  with 
back  to  altar,  while  Warden  and  Conductor  march  up 
through  centre  of  room  on  solid  black  lines,  the  two 
lines  of  circle  instantly  facing  toward  Yice  Grand,  and 
marching  down  in  front  of  Altar  Supporters'  chairs  to 
form  double  lines  and  follow  Warden  and  Conductor. 
At  head  of  room  Right  and  Left  Supporters  to  Noble 
Grand  and  Secretary  and  Treasurer  fall  off  to  stations. 
Conductor  and  Warden  continue  on  down  sides  of 
room,  where  Banner-Bearers  fall  off  to  places,  and  at 
rear  of -room  Right  and  Left  Supporters  to  Vice  Grand 
drop  off',  Altar  Supporters  marching  between  their 
chairs  to  place.  Conductor  and  Warden  follow  out- 
side black  lines  up  through  centre  of  room,  and  around 
chairs  to  place  while,  as  they  pass  altar,  Inside  Guar- 
dian marches  down  to  rear  of  room  from  altar  and  to 
position  at  door.     One  tap  of  the  gavel  seats  the  Lodge. 


20  DAUGHTERS    OF    REBEKAH 

DIAGRAM  No.  3. 

Initiation,  Obligation,  and  Circle  for  Lecture. 

The  Conductor  having  retired  to  the  preparation 
room,  returns  to  the  inner  door  with  the  candidate, 
when  the  Inside  Guardian  advances  to  rear  of  Altar, 
salutes  Noble  Grand  with  baton,  announces  the 
Conductor  and  candidate,  and  upon  direction  returns 
and  admits  them.  While  ode  is  being  sung  Conduc- 
tor marches  candidate  once  around  room  and  down 
through  centre  to  position  in  front  of  Yice  Grand, 
where  lecture  is  delivered.  At  conclusion,  Conductor, 
without  direction,  marches  candidate  around  side  of 
room,  on  dotted  line,  and  when  a  few  paces  beyond 
Chaplain's  station,  one  rap  of  the  gavel  calls  up  War- 
den, Right  and  Left  Supporters  to  Noble  Grand,  Past 
Xoble  Grand,  Altar  Supporters,  and  Right  and  Left 
Supporters  to  Vice  Grand.  Warden  marches  around 
chair,  and  takes  position  on  the  right  of  candidate, 
while  Right  and  Left  Supporters  of  Noble  Grand  come 
down  outside  of  Warden's  and  Conductor's  chairs,  and 
all  in  line  of  five  march  down  to  altar. 

Meanwhile  Altar  Supporters  march  around  chairs, 
coming  together  in  centre,  and  Right  and  Left  Sup- 
porters to  Yice  Grand  come  down  outside  of  Altar 
Supporters'  chairs,  all  forming  line  of  four  to  march  to 
altar,  while  Past  Noble  Grand  leaves  station,  and  all 
reach  altar  at  same  time.  The  march  must  not  stop, 
but  all  must  time  steps  to  be  in  line,  and  all  reach 
altar  at  same  time.      [See  Diagram  No.  3.] 


Diagram  3. 


21 


1 

RS    N.G.     L.S. 

3                        .  5       7       6,                         4 

°                      /                        \                        ° 

i 

\l  1 

I    '\ 

7   o 

t — 1- 

4. 

i 
i 
i 

i 

i . 

i 

I 

\ 

\ 

\ 

',8 

i    / 

i       1 

t 

__    1 

^ 

i 
i 

/                      i 

*\ 

v5 

1 

X 

2.     6/         RAP; 

8° 

-5 

o         o 

1 

o 

o       6 

°9 

■z 

t 

1 

• 

< 

1 

1 

DC 

1 

1 
1 

lS 

i 

1 

1 

1 

i 

<r> 

1 

1 

Q  | 

£ 

1 

1    1 

| 

cH 

O 

in  '    ! 

1 

\>    *r 

H           •    J     °    i    I 

1 
1 
1 

1       o 

/ 

i  **  li 

i  x 

J2    6             ! 

o 

6"  ' 

10 

C£ -4 

i     o 

1! 

< 

3: 

o 

—  — 

1— , 

Z                    o.i 

2j0        10  j 

II 

Ill  °  ©I— 

/■k  • 

H 

«->                        i 

O 

Q. 

u 

3 

, 

_/ 

=3 

oc 

teilfe  L*| 

ti 

'  15    17 

o         o 

k 

t>0 

z 
o 

-     \  \  : 

i  \\ 

t      o 

/          /  o 
/        / 

/o        1 

cc 

uJ 

u. 

• 

V 

> 

CD 

■ 

£     A 

h 

sk 

O 

\2° 

\ 
\ 
\ 

UJ 

o|3 

o 

u    / 

\ 
\ 

f— 

h- 

\ 

o 

U 

H 

3 

oc ; ;  if 

i    ! 

15!   i 

1      i 

or 

O 

- 
i 
1 

i 
i 
j 

\ 

V 

/                   i 
., ,. 

/ 
/ 
/ 

\ 

/ 
/ 

/            o 

\ 

16    18      17 

o           o             o 

/ 

\  c 

\rr       rc: 

O 

L.xJ 

K 

w.  V 

V  vJ 

i 

.^ 


DEGREE  LODGE  FLOOR  WORK.  23 

Past  Noble  Grand  opens  Bible,  and  requests  Chap- 
lain to  come  forward  and  read  from  20th  to  25th  ver- 
ses inclusive  of  15th  chapter  of  Exodus,  stepping  back 
to  position  at  left  of  altar,  Chaplain  taking  position 
opposite  after  reading.  Yice  Grand  comes  from  sta- 
tion, and  taking  position  in  rear  of  altar,  the  Lodge  is 
called  up,  and  wands  are  crossed.  The  four  im- 
mediately around  altar  form  square  inside  of  larger 
square  formed  by  Supporters  with  wands. 

At  close  of  obligation,  Conductor  is  directed  to  pre- 
sent candidate  to  Noble  Grand,  and  all  turn  and  march 
to  stations ;  at  one  side  Warden  leading,  and  passing 
round  chair  to  place,  with  Right  and  Left  Supporters  to 
Noble  Grand  following  and  passing  to  chairs. 

At  the  other   side,  Altar    Supporters   follow   Vice 
Grand,  and  Right  and  Left  Supporters  to  Yice  Grand 
follow  last,    while   Past   Noble    Grand    and    Chaplain 
march  singly  to  seats  ;  Conductor  marches  with  can- 
didate to  Past  Noble  Grand's  station,  thence  around  to 
Yice  Grand's  station,  and  straight  up  through  centre 
of  room  to  position  in  front  of  Noble  Grand,  where  in- 
struction is  given;  then  Conductor  is  directed  to  lead 
candidate  to  Past  Noble  Grand  for  lecture,  by  route 
around  three-fourths  of  room  to  position  in  front   of 
Chaplain's  chair,  where  candidate  is  seated,  and  Con- 
ductor resumes  chair.     As  Past  Noble  Grand  refers  to 
"Rebekah,"  the  Right  Supporter  to  Yice  Grand  rises 
and  places  the  pitcher  on  *her  left  shoulder,  the  right 
hand  resting  upon  the  hip,  and  passes  to  position  indi- 


24  DAUGHTERS    OF    REBEKAH 

cated  by  red  ring  on  left  of  Chaplain,  there  standing 
still  with  eyes  raised  heavenward. 

As  "Hannah"  is  called,  she  steps  to  position  indi- 
cated by  number,  and  holding  her  staff  in  the  hollow 
of  her  left  arm,  casts  her  eyes  upward  and  clasps  her 
hands  upon  her  breast,  tips  of  fingers  upward,  in  atti- 
tude of  prayer. 

Upon  "Deborah"  being  spoken,  she  passes  to  posi- 
tion on  right  of  Past  Noble  Grand,  and  holding  her 
staff  in  left  hand,  the  hand  about  the  height  of  chin, 
and  at  about  arm's  length,  slightly  in  the  rear,  raises 
the  right  hand  obliquely  from  the  face  and  eyes  as 
though  reading  the  stars,  the  right  foot  being  in  ad- 
vance of  the  left  about  twelve  inches. 

As  "  Queen  Esther  "  is  called,  she  steps  to  position 
indicated,  and  holding  her  staff  in  the  right  hand  at 
nearly  arm's  length,  extends  her  left  hand  toward 
heaven,  as  in  supplication,  eyes  following  direction  of 
hand,  and  body  slightly  inclined  to  the  left. 

These  positions  are  maintained  unchanged  until 
"Ruth"  is  called,  when  all  resume  their  natural  posi- 
tions, but  remain  standing  in  circle;  "Ruth'  advan- 
ces slowly  to  position  on  left  of  Past  Noble  Grand  with 
hand  over  eyes,  and  face  cast  down  as  in  deep  sorrow. 
As  "Naomi"  is  spoken,  she  advances  to  position  on 
right  of  candidate,  and  when  the  Past  Noble  Grand 
reaches  that  portion  of  the  lecture  referring  to  entrea- 
ty by  Ruth,  she  stops,  and  "  Ruth  "  makes  the  appeal: 


DEGREE    LODGE    FLOOR   WORK.  25 

"  Entreat  me  not  to  leave  thee,"  etc.  "  Ruth  "  advan- 
ces with  both  hands  extended  toward  "  Naomi/'  who 
at  the  same  time  also  advances,  and  both  meet  in 
the  centre  of  the  floor,  and  clasp  hands  for  a  moment. 
"Naomi"  changes  her  mind,  draws  back,  and  turning 
about  steps  slowly  away  from  "Ruth."  who  clasps 
both  her  hands  and  continues  pleading.  "  Naomi  ' 
with  her  right  hand  motions  her  as  if  to  stop.  At 
the  words,  "  The  Lord  do  so  and  more  also,';  etc., 
'•Ruth'7  kneels  on  her  right  knee,  "Naomi'  wavers, 
turns,  and  stepping  quickly  forward,  with  outstretched 
hands  raises  ''  Ruth'  to  her  feet  as  she  utters  the  last 
words.     Both  step  back  to  their  places. 

As  "  Sarah  '  is  called,  she  steps  to  position,  and 
stands  erect,  with  staff  at  nearly  arm's  length  in  right 
hand. 

"  Miriam,'"  when  called,  takes  only  her  tambourine 
in  her  right  hand,  both  hands  hanging  down  at  side, 
passes  from  station  to  place  in  front  of  Yice  Grand's 
chair,  and  thence  to  position. 

As  "'  Hebrew  Women  "  are  called,  Right  and  Left 
Supporters  to  Noble  Grand  pass  to  positions,  and  Con- 
ductor takes  position  at  left  of  Warden,  which  com- 
pletes the  circle. 

"  Miriam"  now  steps  forward  one  pace,  raises  her  tam- 
bourine and  beats  in  time,  while  all  raise  their  hands 
and  sing  the  couplet — "Sound  the  loud  Timbrel,  etc." 


26  DAUGHTERS    OF    REBEKAH 

As  soon  as  singing  ceases,  all  except  Past  Noble 
Grand  about-face  and  march  to  place  ;  Warden  and 
Conductor  leading  on  one  side,  passing  around  chairs 
to  place,  Right  and  Left  Supporters  to  Xoble  Grand 
following,  and  Secretary  and  Treasurer  last.  Upon 
the  other  side  Miriam  marches  up  and  takes  position 
with  back  to  altar,  while  Altar  Supporters  lead  up 
and  around  chairs  to  seat ;  Right  and  Left  Supporters 
to  Yice  Grand  following,  and  Inside  Guardian  march- 
ing in  rear  to  station. 

All  must  move  at  once,  that  there  be  no  awkward 
pause  in  the  lecture.  The  Past  Xoble  Grand  now  con- 
cludes lecture,  and,  by  direction,  Conductor  marches 
candidate  straight  across  room  to  position  in  front  of 
Past  Noble  Grand's  chair,  down  to  place  in  front  of 
Yice  Grand,  and  up  through  centre  of  room  to  Noble 
Grand  for  final  instruction.  This  route  is  shown  by 
dotted  black  line. 

DIAGRAM  No.  4. 
Final.  Instructions  by  Noble  Grand. 

LTpon  presentation  to  Noble  Grand,  the  badge  or 
collar  is  conferred,  and,  with  the  concluding  words, 
Banner-Bearers  pass  from  stations  to  positions  indi- 
cated upon  diagram,  where  they  simply  pause  to  de- 
fine position,  then  as  Conductor  causes  candidate  to 
face  them,  all  march  diagonally  to  opposite  stations  as 
indicated  by  dotted  lines. 

Then  without  pausing  Nos.  9  and  8  countermarch  to 
altar,  change  places  by  No.  9  passing  in  front  of  No. 


Diagram  4. 


27 


28 


Diagram  6 


3 

o 


\ 


Q_ 


R.S.  N.&.     L.S 


s 


o 

1 


o 

I 


4 


16 


tr 


IT 


o 

"IT 


Ils.  vg.    R.S 


DEGREE    LODGE    FLOOR    WORK.  29 

8  to  other  side,  and  march  in  double  lines  to  place  in 
front  of  Noble  Grand,  where  they  separate  and  march 
respectively  right  and  left  to  positions  on  floor  first 
taken.  Meanwhile  Nos.  12  and  13  have  marched  down 
straight  lines  to  places  in  front  of  Chaplain  and  Past 
Noble  Grand  respectively,  then  to  centre  altar  and 
change  places  by  crossing  over,  No.  13  in  front  of  No. 
12,  and  each  continue  on  diagonal  line  to  station  origi- 
nally occupied  on  floor.  Conductor  marches  candidate 
round  in  front  of  each  Banner- Bearer,  standing  and 
pointing  with  her  staff  as  each  delivers  her  charge,  and 
at  conclusion  presents  candidate  to  desk  of  Secretary, 
and  Banner-Bearers  resume  seats.  Warden  then  re- 
tires with  candidate,  and,  upon  return  and  introduction 
to  Lodge,  seats  the  new  member,  which  concludes  the 
initiation. 

DIAGRAM  No.  5. 

Retiring  March  for  Disrobing. 

Remove  altar  from  the  centre  of  floor.  Signals  are 
given,  members  of  the  corps  fall  in,  and  lines  of  march 
are  followed  as  in  Diagram  No.  1,  until  V  is  formed  to 
address  chair  ;  except  that  Inside  Guardian  remains  at 
station  until  V  is  formed,  when  she  marches  to  point 
of  V,  and  gives  signal  for  address.  Then  she  marches 
back  to  her  station,  while  two  lines  of  V  march  up 
solid  black  lines,  and  around  to  position  in  front  of 
Noble  Grand,  then  down  entire  length  of  room,  sepa- 
rate at  place  in  front  of  Vice  Grand,  and  pass  to  point 
shown  by  star ;  continue  the  march  diagonally  across 
room  to  opposite  corners,  as  indicated  by  solid  black 


30  DAUGHTERS    OF    REBEKAH 

lines;  the  two  lines  crossing  in  centre  of  room;  the 
members  passing  each  other  alternately,  the  War- 
den first.  Without  stopping,  follow  dotted  lines  to 
point  in  front  of  Noble  Grand,  and  down  through  cen- 
tre of  room ;  separate  in  front  of  Vice  Grand,  and 
march  to  places  in  front  of  Chaplain  and  Past  Noble 
Grand,  where  lines  halt,  face  inward,  and  march  for- 
ward in  straight  lines  (see  Diagram)  to  meet  at  centre 
line,  passing  through  to  opposite  sides  of  room ;  War- 
den on  the  outside  at  head  of  column,  and  the  other 
members  alternating ;  then  face  the  Noble  Grand's 
chair,  which  brings  all  into  proper  position.  March 
as  indicated  by  red  lines  to  points  marked  "A,"  thence 
by  diagonal  lines  to  centre,  where  forming  double  lines 
all  pass  down  to  Yice  Grand's  station  and  out  to  ante- 
room ;  the  Inside  Guardian  now  leaving  her  station  to 
follow  in  the  rear. 

DIAGRAM  No.  6. 

Entering  after  Disrobing  and  Distribution  to  Seats. 

The  altar  is  placed  in  the  centre  of  floor,  and  all 
march  in  and  form  V,  with  Inside  Guardian  in  rear  to 
fill  her  proper  office  at  point  of  V.  After  address  to 
chair,  all  move  off"  on  diagonal  line  to  point  in  front  of 
Noble  Grand's  chair.  Inside  Guardian  marching  up  to 
resume  position  with  back  to  altar ;  at  Noble  Grand's 
station,  that  officer  with  her  Supporters,  and  Secretary 
and  Treasurer,  fall  off  to  chairs,  while  lines  continue  on 
around  room ;  Banner-Bearers,  Past  Noble  Grand,  and 
Chaplain  all  falling  off  as  they  reach  their  stations. 


Diagram  6. 


31 


R.S.    N.G.      LS 


■%n 


16     18    17 

LS     Y.&.     F^ 


19 


a: 
< 


o 


32  DAUGHTERS    OF    REBEKAH. 

As  lines  reach  lower  end  of  room.  Vice  Grand  and 
her  Supporters,  together  with  Altar  Supporters,  fall  off 
to  stations,  leaving  Warden  and  Conductor  to  follow 
dotted  lines  up  through  centre  of  room  and  around 
chairs  to  seats  at  rap  of  the  gavel.  As  they  pass  altar, 
the  Inside  Guardian  leaves  her  station,  marches  straight 
to  point  in  front  of  Yice  Grand,  and  thence  to  station. 

The  Noble  Grand  can  now  declare  a  recess,  at  close 
of  which  officers  of  the  Lodge  resume  their  chairs. 
When  the  Noble  Grand  leaves  her  chair  as  one  of  the 
corps,  she  must  designate  some  Past  Noble  Grand  or 
Past  Grand  to  occupy  the  chair  during  her  absence. 
When  the  Inside  Guardian  is  absent  from  the  door  to 
take  part  in  the  floor  work,  the  Noble  Grand  shall  ap- 
point some  member  to  occupy  the  position  temporarily. 


i 


ss-fe 


■W& 


■■ 


w 


